The Fate of Foxfield Remains in Question

The Albemarle County Circuit Court will postpone ruling on a case that would affect the Foxfield races, which the UVA community traditionally frequents each spring.

The court, led by Judge Cheryl Higgins, planned to reach a verdict on the case today to officially determine whether the will of Foxfield’s deceased previous owner — Marianna S. de Tejeda — permits the sale of the land. The court revealed today however, that a decision will not be reached until September.

In her will, Tejeda specifies her desire for her property to go to “the perpetuation of the Foxfield Races in Albemarle County.” She passed away in 1983.

Photo courtesy: Visit Charlottesville

Judge Higgins’ postponement of a verdict comes after arguments were made in the courtroom approximately two weeks ago.

The case plaintiffs — John H. Birdsall, Harry Burn, Reynolds Cowles, Landon Hilliard, Kiwi Hilliard, John G. Macfarlane III, Dudley Macfarlane and Jack Sanford Jr. — argued that Tejeda’s will features language that prevents the Foxfield property from being sold. They alleged that the defendants — the Foxfield Racing Association and its director, Thomas Dick — seek to sell the property and use it for a housing development, which would violate Tejeda’s will.

The defendants instead claimed that the language of Tejeda’s will is not specific enough to make such a conclusion.

So why does this court case matter? The fate of the Foxfield races may depend on it.

While the Albermarle Country Circuit Court has yet to set an official date to release the case verdict, it will be in September.

In the meantime, a fall event at Foxfield is scheduled for October 7th.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JwpH3Kqd_Q
On today's episode of NOW, Mica Vilanova breaks down the interview of former Supreme Court Justice, Anthony Kennedy, at the UVA Law School's new...

WUVA, Incorporated at the University of Virginia has fostered independent, student-owned, student-operated electronic media since 1947.
Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not responsible for the organization’s contracts, acts or omissions.

WUVA News has been supported by grants from The Jefferson Trust, an activity of the UVA Alumni Association, and from the UVA Parents Fund Committee.